Funded PhD in High-Throughput Screening of Bacterial Motility, Gut Microbiota, and Human Health at RWTH Aachen University RWTH Aachen University in Germany

PhD opportunity in Germany at RWTH Aachen University in the Grognot Lab, focused on high-throughput screening of bacterial motility in human health.

The project sits at the intersection of gut microbiota, host-microbe interactions, bacterial motility, inflammation, quantitative microbiology, biophysics, and machine learning. The lab studies how microbes navigate the host environment and how motility relates to gut health, IBD, and pathogen behavior. The work is embedded in the CRC1382 Gut-Liver axis context and involves quantitative approaches to assess motility across the diversity of the gut microbiota.

Ideal applicants come from microbiology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, molecular biology, optics, machine learning, or related quantitative sciences. The post specifically values multidisciplinary profiles with experience in at least two of the following: biological sciences/microbiology, microscopy and/or optics, pharmaceuticals with a molecular biology emphasis, machine learning for biological questions, bioinformatics for metagenomic analysis, or active soft matter.

Technical requirements include coding experience in Python or MATLAB and strong English skills (at least C1 level). The lab is open to candidates from diverse backgrounds who are enthusiastic about quantitative analysis of biological phenomena and willing to learn microbiology methods.

Funding: the position is remunerated according to the DFG pay scale TV-L E13 (65%). The start date is flexible, but must be before the end of 2026.

How to apply: send a detailed CV, semester transcripts from your master’s degree (or a list of attended courses if transcripts are not yet available), and a concise motivation letter to Pr. Marianne Grognot at [email protected]. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.